Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Poster

A couple's attitudes are challenged when their daughter brings home a fiancé who is black.

Film Overview
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is a 1967 American comedy-drama film directed by Stanley Kramer and written by William Rose. The movie includes the star-studded cast consisting of Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, and Katharine Hepburn, with a key supporting role by Katharine Houghton. The plot focuses on challenging the societal standards of the era and addresses problems of racial combination and approval of interracial marriages.

Plot Summary
The film is embeded in San Francisco and begins with Joanna, a white woman, played by Katharine Houghton, presenting her African-American fiancé, Dr. John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), to her liberal moms and dads Matt and Christina Drayton, played by Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn respectively. Uninformed of her new relationship, Joanna or 'Joey' surprises her parents with the news and adds that she plans on marrying John right away, putting her moms and dads in a difficult situation.

Conflict and Resolution
The Draytons, although understood for their liberal views and support for civil liberties, discover it challenging to accept their daughter's relationship because of social bias and worries for their wellness. Their reservations do not simply originate from racial differences, however also consist of the rash timeline Joanna has proposed and the possible reaction this might have on John's career. The stress heightens when John's parents suddenly join the supper without understanding their kid is engaged to a white female.

John, who expects the dispute due to social taboos, promises Joanna he will not wed her without her moms and dads' approval. Likewise, Joanna's parents enforce the exact same condition on their part. They believe night of the supper is a chance for everybody to fulfill and be familiar with each other, wishing to resolve their issues and uncertainties.

Styles and Messages
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is a cutting-edge film for its time, dealing with racial bias in a mixed-race relationship. The movie gained immense appeal due to its strong position on such a controversial problem in 1960's America, a time when numerous states still held laws against interracial marriages. By the end of the film, Matt provides a poignant speech in which he acknowledges his battle with his daughter's choice, however ultimately supports their love, concluding that excellent character is more vital than the color of one's skin.

Conclusion and Reception
Both socially relevant and engagingly amusing, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" dealt with racial partition at a crucial time in American history. Its blend of comedy and drama makes an impactful declaration about love transcending racial barriers. The film received ten Academy Award elections, with Hepburn winning 'Best Actress'. Regardless of combined evaluations from critics who believed it didn't push hard enough on racial matters, it was a business success and stays a significant piece in American cinematography for addressing racial issues and showcasing extraordinary performances.

Top Cast